According to EEA analysis of member states’ own projections, the EU is likely to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 21 percent of 1990 levels by 2020, surpassing its 20 percent target. With 14 percent of final energy consumption generated by renewable sources in 2012, the EU is also ahead of the planned trajectory to hit 20 percent renewable energy by 2020. Likewise, the EU’s energy consumption is also falling faster than would be necessary to meet the 2020 energy efficiency target.

Last week EU leaders agreed on a climate and energy deal that sets a binding carbon reduction target of “at least” 40 percent by 2030, compared to 1990 levels, increasing renewable energy to make up at least 27 percent of final energy consumption and a minimum 27 percent reduction in energy consumption compared to business-as-usual.